The sentimental money to battle Buveur D'Air was on Willie Mullins' Faugheen, who has had a series of injuries since winning this race three race ago.

The pace proved too much for the 10-year-old, though, and it was left to another Mullins horse Melon to take up the race.

Had Melon won it would have seen Mullins close the gap to Henderson in the battle for Cheltenham supremacy, but he did have a winner in the Arkle Trophy.

Trusty partner Ruby Walsh, Cheltenham's most successful jockey, put in a tactical masterclass atop Footpad, timing the charge to perfection after Petit Mouchoir had set a rapid early pace to delight the fans in attendance.

There was earlier disappointment for Mullins though as his favourite Getabird faded out of contention in the Supreme Novices Hurdle, 8-1 shot Summerville Boy charging up the inside to deny Kalashnikov victory.

Later, Coo Star Sivola won a thrilling Handicap Chase after holding off the valiant challenge of Shantou Flyer.